Claudio Bravo has joined Manchester City from Barcelona in a move that appears to move Joe Hart closer to the Etihad Stadium exit door.
Bravo flew to Manchester on Tuesday to undergo a medical, with City boss Pep Guardiola stating a deal for the Chile international was “almost done” following Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions League play-off win over Steaua Bucharest.
Confirmation of Netherlands goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen moving from Ajax to Barcelona earlier on Thursday cleared the way for City to announce Bravo has agreed terms on a four-year deal for an initial fee of €18million, which could rise to €20m after add-ons.
Guardiola chose to start Willy Caballero in goal over Hart in City’s first three games of the season, with the Argentinian seemingly deemed more suitable to the manager’s belief in playing the ball out from the back – an area where the 33-year-old Bravo excels.
“I’m very proud to be joining Manchester City,” Bravo told the club’s official website. “I know the club is building something very special and I hope I can be part of many successes in the coming years.
“I have followed City’s progress in recent years and obviously know some of my new team-mates from the Copa America.
“It is not easy to leave a club like Barcelona where I had two fantastic years, but the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola was too good to refuse.
“Now I will challenge the other great goalkeepers the club has and together I hope we can win many trophies.”
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